Detox: The First Step In Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcohol and drug addiction detox paves the way for treatment by freeing a client from the physical effects of chemical substances. Going through this process creates a cleaner slate so that the real work of getting to the heart of the issue of addiction and why someone turned to substances to deal with stress or emotional pain can begin in earnest.

Medical detox involves helping addicts become clean and sober by providing a supportive environment during this process. Instead of giving up drugs and alcohol all at once (“cold turkey”), clients are able to wean off of them in a controlled manner. A detox program helps to keep him or her comfortable by controlling physical withdrawal symptoms.

Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms

Opiates include morphine, heroin, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, and codeine. When someone who has been using the drug for some time stops taking it, he or she will experience some withdrawal symptoms. Early symptoms may include:

Anxiety

Insomnia

Muscle aches

Sweating

Yawning

As the withdrawal process continues, the symptoms may change and a person may complain of:

Diarrhea

Goose bumps

Nausea

Stomach cramps

Vomiting

Detox centers are staffed by trained personnel who can monitor each client’s condition as they go through this necessary process. Supportive care is provided, and medications may be given to treat the anxiety, muscle aches, and cramping, if necessary.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually start within hours after the last drink is consumed. They get worse over the next two or three days and may persist longer in some instances.

Anxiety/nervousness

Depression

Fatigue

Irritability

Mood swings

Nightmares

In some cases, alcoholics report feeling these types of symptoms while going through detox:

Headache

Insomnia

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Rapid heart rate

Sweating

Vomiting

Heavy alcohol users should not try to stop drinking all at once. Instead, they should get help from detox centers in California so that their condition can be monitored. When the condition turns into a severe form of withdrawal called delirium tremens, it can lead to these symptoms:

Agitation

Fever

Hallucinations

Severe confusion

Seizures

Find an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Center

The staff at Above It All Treatment Center can provide caring, supportive care to clients who are going through detox. They recognize that each person being treated at the Center needs to be dealt with as an individual, and that there is no “one size fits all” approach to treatment. The staff works up a treatment plan to address each client’s needs and goals during his or her time at the Center once the veil of chemical substances has been lifted and the focus can be put squarely on getting well.